I don't fake it; I only celebrate holidays on the official calendar day.

This year, Valentine's Day falls on a Monday, and although most restaurants are running weekend Valentine specials, I just can't bring myself to celebrate prematurely.

With the exception of Osteria Giotto, most restaurants are closed on Mondays. Therefore, I'm primed for eating in. After all, a meal in the privacy of your own home can be far more romantic than one in a restaurant.

So what to cook? Well, wish as we might, there's no such thing as an aphrodisiac! However, libidos can be affected by diet. So, if you're like me, and are planning on eating in this Monday night, you may want to work some of these ingredients in your seduction meal plan:

Nutmeg

Asparagus helps histamine production, which men and women need for orgasms.
Curry is shown to make sexual organs more sensitive.
Figs have been known to boost libido.
Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that helps improve blood flow - - essential!
Garlic is also said to improve blood flow, but I'd opt for the watermelon on this evening.
Chilies have a ton of capsaicin and help to increase blood flow and trigger the release of endorphins!
Dark chocolate contains serotonin and phenylethylamine which, somehow, mimics the brain chemistry of a person in love!
Oysters and Pumpkin Seeds are full of zinc which (in addition to staving off the common cold) maintains healthy sperm and are essential for testosterone production.
Nutmeg! Nutmeg! Nutmeg! Nutmeg has been used in Indian medicine for generations to boost libido. And an animal study has shown that the extract of Nutmeg has the same effect on mating behavior as Viagra! (Reminds me of a song by Nine Inch Nails, how did that go? Help me.)
Steak is a great libido booster for men, as is broccoli, beans and raw celery root.

ChiliesHmmm. . . . So I wonder, who else is eating in? And what's your recipe for in house culinary seduction?